Robin Hood to be staged in Ferns
FERNS Dramatic Society is busy with final preparations ahead of this year’s annual pantomime which will be staged on January 23, 24 and 25, in the local community centre.
This year’s show, ‘Robin Hood’, is based on a brilliant script by Thomas O’Leary and the cast will feature some well known faces from the local theatrical scene including: JT (John Tonks); Pat O’Leary; Angela Swaine; Tom Swaine; Joan O’Toole; Gareth Murphy and Colm Morris.
Appearing for the first time in Ferns will be Richie Cotter who is a seasoned performer and much respected members of Enniscorthy Drama Group.
Richie has many pantos under his belt and appeared recently in EDG’s production of ‘Blood of Nosferatu’.
Ferns Dramatic Society’s (FDS) first panto, ‘Cinderella’, was performed in 2004 and since then there has been a pantomime in Ferns every year.
Each year the shows get better and a spokesperson for the society told this newspaper ‘that’s due to the unstinting efforts of an army of volunteers who work ceaselessly behind the scenes for months prior to the show’.
‘However, it is the younger members of the cast who add such vitality to this year’s show,’ said the spokesperson.
‘One of the main characters, ‘Maid Marian’, is performed by Jessica Brennan,’ she added.
It’s Jessica’s first year in a show and she is really looking forward to it.
‘I think she is a real find and I know the audience will agree when the spotlight comes on,’ said the spokesperson.
‘Robin’ will be performed by Leon Malone who has featured in pantomime in Ferns for the last eight years.
Leon also appeared in ‘the Buddy Holly Story’ in Enniscorthy.
He thinks the young members of the cast ‘will do a great job’.
The spokesperson said there will be many highlights: ‘We can’t give too much away here, but Laura Browne and Adam du Plessis as ‘Blossom’ and ‘Barny’ are special.’
‘So, what have a bear and fairy to do with Robin Hood? You’re going to have to come to the show to find out,’ she added.
Laura Sinnott is keeping up a family tradition of stage performance. The last time she appeared with Ferns Dramatic Society was three years ago and she is delighted to be back.
‘I can guarantee that you are going to enjoy the characters of ‘Alice’ and ‘Willo’,’ said the spokesperson.
‘Niamh Murphy and Leah Murphy are old hands at this stage and between dancing and acting Niamh and Leah have a lot of experience under their respective belts,’ she added.
This year’s show is being produced by Sean Mythen, who also produced the very first panto in Ferns in 2004.
Sean, who is also fondly remembered for his involvement in the Tops Variety shows, is also well known throughout Wexford for his great musical talent.
The show promises to be a great night out .
Bookings for the show can be made by phoning 085 7179509 between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m.